Page 40 of And Then There Was Us
Hugh poured her wine and a glass of water for him. “I leave Friday, and I think I’m going to come back Saturday night. That way, if you need anything, I’ll be just a phone call away.”
Brianna felt Hugh’s name etch deeply into another piece of her heart. “You don’t need to do that. I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time.”But I love that you want to be here just in case.
“I like knowing you’re nearby.”
Brianna’s nerves were doing some sort of mosh pit dance. She nibbled on bread and cheese, wishing the night would never end.
He lifted his glass of water. “Here’s to our first date.”
Sheclinkedher glass to his. “To our amazing first date.”
Hugh leaned back on his palms and crossed his feet at the ankles. He looked so comfortable, and as much as Brianna hated herself for the thought that entered her mind, she allowed it to slip from her lips.
“Have you done this kind of thing before? You don’t have to tell me. I’m just curious.”
He sat up and scooted closer to her. “Nope. Not once. To be honest, I was so excited to plan our date that I could barely sit still before we got here. There’s something else I wanted to show you.” He stood and reached for her hand.
“More lights?”
“You’ll see.” They walked hand in hand down a path that led through a thick group of trees. Brianna untangled their hands and wrapped her arm in his, wanting to be closer. She rested her head on his arm and relished in the feel of him beside her. Knowing Layla was safe and happy with her mother whisked away the guilt she’d had about leaving Layla to be with Hugh.
“Are you taking me to do dirty things in the bushes?” she teased.
“Now, that’s something I hadn’t thought of.” He raised his eyebrows in quick succession.
They rounded another group of thick trees and Hugh said, “Close your eyes.”
“Okay.” Brianna closed her eyes, feeling a little silly. “It’s already dark. Do I really need to do this?”
“Yes. Do you trust me?” Hugh’s rich voice warmed her.
“One hundred percent.”
“Good. I’m going to trust you not to open your eyes.” He held her hand and put his other hand on her back as he guided her forward.
Soft music filtered through the air. “What is that?”
“You’ll see.” He stopped walking, and she felt him move in front of her. He held both her hands, and her pulse kicked up again.
“Okay. Open your eyes, but look at me.”
She looked up into his dark, serious eyes.
“Brianna, I’m blown away by what I feel for you and how fast it’s happened.”
Oh, wow. Me too.She could barely think past her hammering heart and the blood rushing through her ears. He took her face in his hands and leaned his forehead on hers.I love when you do that.She held on to his waist to keep her rubbery legs from sending her to the ground. She knew if she opened her mouth she’d have no choice but for her lips to find his.
“I want to wipe away your unhappy memories and replace them with happier ones.”
“Me too,” was all she could manage.
Behind him, colorful lights flicked on, and the music that had been playing softly came to life. Brianna recognized the carnival-like tune. She clutched her fingers around his waist and peered around him. Her eyes filled with tears.
“Hugh.” Trembling began in her chest and quickly took over her limbs as memories filtered in.Her father holding her hand as she stepped onto the carousel. Flashes of him as she flew by riding the pink carousel horse.
“I’m right here.” He put his arm securely around her and pressed her body into his side as they walked toward the carousel. “I wanted you to have your memories of your father, but hopefully the next day’s memories can be replaced with better ones.”
Her throat swelled, and as she pressed into his chest, her tears sprang free. He didn’t say a word. He held her tight and kissed the top of her head as she cried over the magnitude of what he’d done. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes before looking up at him.
